Join Rainbow Holidays for an enriching full-day tour to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka. Your journey begins with a scenic 4-hour drive from Colombo, transporting you to the beautiful hill country. The first highlight is the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, renowned for its exquisite collection of orchids and diverse plant life. After immersing yourself in nature's beauty, you'll proceed to the heart of Kandy to visit the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses a sacred relic of the Lord Buddha. Following the temple visit, you will have the opportunity to explore the historical Kandy Museum and take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake. The tour concludes in the late afternoon, with a comfortable 4-hour drive back to Colombo, leaving you with lasting memories of this cultural and historical excursion.
Kandy Day Tour
About This Tour
Inclusions
- Private Transportation: A comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle for the entire duration of the tour.
- Expert Chauffeur-Guide: The services of a professional and friendly English-speaking chauffeur-guide who will navigate and explain the sights.
- All Entrance & Ticketing Fees: All entry fees for the sites mentioned in the itinerary are covered:
- Gadaladeniya Temple
Lankathilaka Viharaya
Embekke Devalaya
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) - Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off: We will pick you up and drop you off at any hotel within the Kandy city limits.
- Refreshments: Complimentary bottled water (one per person) to keep you refreshed throughout the day.
- All Taxes and Service Charges: The price is inclusive of all current government taxes and service fees.
- Cost of Lunch: While we guide you to a quality restaurant, the cost of your meal and any beverages is not included, allowing you to choose according to your preference.
- Gratuities: Tips for your chauffeur-guide are not included and are at your own discretion as a gesture of appreciation for excellent service.
- Personal Expenses: Any expenses of a personal nature, such as shopping for souvenirs, additional snacks, or drinks.
- Camera & Video Fees: Any special fees that may be charged at certain sites for the use of professional video cameras. Standard personal cameras and phones are typically fine.
- Offerings at Temples: The cost of purchasing flowers or other religious offerings at the temples.
Of course. Here are the inclusions and exclusions for the "Kandy's Treasures" tour by Rainbow Holidays.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included in Your Tour (Inclusions):
What's Not Included in Your Tour (Exclusions):
- Fuel surcharge
- Parking fees
- Entry tax
- Food & drinks
- Landing & facility fees
- WiFi
- Entry or admission fee
- Goods & services tax
Exclusions
- Cost of Lunch While we guide you to a high-quality local restaurant with excellent views, the actual cost of your meal and any drinks is not included. This gives you the freedom to choose your dishes based on your personal taste and budget.
- Gratuities (Tips) Tipping your chauffeur-guide is not included in the tour price. Gratuities are entirely at your discretion and are a way to show your appreciation for exceptional service.
- Personal Expenses Any purchases of a personal nature are excluded. This includes buying souvenirs from local artisans, additional snacks or drinks outside of lunch, and any other personal shopping.
- Special Camera & Video Permits The tour price does not cover any specific fees that may be required at religious or historical sites for the use of professional video cameras or extensive photography equipment. Standard photos with personal cameras and smartphones are generally fine.
- Religious Offerings The cost of purchasing flowers, incense, or other offerings at the temples is a personal choice and is not included in the tour package.
- Travel Insurance Your personal travel insurance is not included. We recommend you have a comprehensive policy to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
Tour Exclusions (What's Not Included)
This list outlines the services and items that are not covered in the tour package price. Planning for these separately will ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable day.
Tour Plan
Meeting / Pickup
Please Note
What Travelers Should Know Before They Book
1. Respectful Dress Code is EssentialThis tour includes visits to several active Buddhist temples, including Sri Lanka's most sacred, the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
- Cover Shoulders & Knees: It is mandatory for both men and women to wear clothing that covers their shoulders and extends below the knees. T-shirts are acceptable, but tank tops and sleeveless shirts are not. Long trousers, skirts, or a sarong are perfect.
- Remove Hats & Footwear: You will be required to remove your shoes and any headwear before entering all temple premises. It's a good idea to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. You may wish to bring a pair of socks, as the ground can be hot during the day.
2. Physical Activity LevelThe tour is designed to be enjoyable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness, but please be aware of the following:
- Walking is Required: The tour involves a fair amount of walking, particularly within the expansive Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Stairs at Temples: Some of the ancient temples, like Gadaladeniya and Lankathilaka, are built on rock formations and require climbing a number of stone steps to reach the main areas.
3. Be Prepared for the WeatherKandy's climate is generally pleasant but can be unpredictable.
- Sun & Rain: The weather can change quickly from warm and sunny to a sudden tropical downpour, especially in the afternoons. We recommend wearing light, breathable clothing and bringing a compact umbrella or a light raincoat just in case.
- Sun Protection: The Sri Lankan sun can be strong. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are highly recommended for the outdoor portions of the tour.
4. Photography and EtiquetteCapturing memories is encouraged, but with respect for the local culture.
- Respectful Photos: It is strictly forbidden to take a photograph or selfie with your back turned to a statue of the Lord Buddha. This is considered highly disrespectful. Always face the statue when taking pictures.
- No Flash: Flash photography is often prohibited inside temple shrine rooms.
- Ask for Permission: Always be courteous and ask for permission before taking close-up photographs of monks, local worshipers, or artisans.
5. Booking & Timing
- Book in Advance: To ensure the availability of our best guides and vehicles, especially during the peak tourist seasons (December to April and the Esala Perahera festival in July/August), we recommend booking your tour in advance.
- Ceremony at the Temple: The visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic is timed for the late afternoon to coincide with the evening ceremony (
Thevava
). This is a captivating but popular time, so expect more devotees and a vibrant atmosphere.
By keeping these points in mind, you will be well-prepared for a culturally rich, respectful, and deeply rewarding exploration of Kandy's treasures.
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